Extinction
isn't something to contemplate, it's something to rebel against.
    Congress passed the Endangered Species Act in 1973 stating that many species "are of esthetic, ecological, educational, historical, recreational, and scientific value to the Nation and its people."  However, our careless and needless extermination of species is creating a future which will be without biological diversity and sustainability.  Although we protect endangered species, we need to protect species and their habitats before they become endangered.
    Species make up the fabric of healthy ecosystems such as coastal estuaries, prairie grasslands, and ancient forests  which we depend on to purify our air, clean our water, and supply us with food.  When species become endangered, it is an indicator that the health of these vital ecosystems is beginning to unravel.  The  loss of one plant species, or a keystone species, can trigger the loss of as many as 30 other insect, plant and higher animal species, and maybe even us sometime in the future.
    As well, of the estimated 80,000 edible plants in the world, we depend upon only 20 species to provide 90% of the world's food.   Wild relatives of these common crops provide an essential genetic reservoir from which newer crops with higher pest and disease resistance can be born.  Wild species also provide us with the means to develop new crops which can grow in areas with such problems as poor soil or drought-stricken areas, to greater help the world hunger problem.
    Plants also produce 40% of all medicinal prescriptions today.  They are either based on, or synthesized from, natural compounds from various species.  These plants save innumerable lives. Unfortunately, only 5% of known plant species' medicinal value have been accurately determined, and we continue to lose as many as 100 species daily which may have been able to produce powerful medicines.
Humans aren't the only species on Earth, we just act like it.

Here a several endangered species you can learn more about, and find out what you can do to help them:
Bald Eagle
Mountain Gorilla
Grey Wolf
Siberian Tiger
Peregrine Falcon
Cheetah
Elephant
California Mountain Lion


CLICK HEREFOR A RED LIST OF ENDANGERED, THREATENED, AND EXTINCT SPECIES.

Remember, Extinction is forever. . .

Back To The Main Page:


this web page was created, and is maintained, by none other then ME

(no animals were harmed during the creation of this web page)